Impact of the Fire Protection Requirements on the Cultural Heritage of the Polish Old Towns—Selected Problems

The article examines the complex and not yet extensively researched problem of the impact of fire safety regulations in Poland, including associated methods and devices, on cultural heritage, with a focus on historical architecture and its surroundings in Polish historical urban centers. It addresses a broad interdisciplinary field, summarizing issues from architecture and urban planning, the conservation of monuments, and fire safety, as well as structural safety, safety engineering, and axiology. The core question is how fire protection methods and measures affect the values of architectural heritage, including historical buildings, their immediate neighborhoods, and the broader cultural landscape. The study employs the historical–interpretive research method, which primarily based on an analysis of the literature, technical and construction regulations, standards, and materials provided by suppliers of specialized solutions, which are supplemented by observational and critical analysis methods. The main findings indicate that the rigorous application of fire safety regulations can both safeguard human life and property and, at the same time, pose risks to the authenticity and integrity of historical architecture. These findings highlight the importance of tailored solutions and interdisciplinary collaboration to balance safety with the preservation of cultural heritage.